Commentary: The Lord instructs Moses to conduct a census. This allows the Israelites to know where they came from, their family history, in addition to counting all the Israelites who came out of Egypt. The tabernacle will always be placed at the center of the Israelite camp, just as the Lord is always to be at the center of our lives. God arraigned the Israelite camp in a specific order, with each person having a role. The Levites, as the tribe who was not care for and maintain the tabernacle, was not included in the original census, but as part of a later, individual, census. The specific jobs for the members of the Levite are recorded in chapter 4. Again, each person has a specific job to perform. Moving such a large camp quickly and efficiently required a detailed plan, where everyone knew their part.

Focus Verses: Consider today’s entire reading. Why did God give such specific instructions? What does this reveal about His character? What instructions does the Lord give to you?